Sunstone Montessori School Natural Playscape 

Portland, OR – Pacific Northwest US

 

Project Overview

A Montessori  nature play area for  preschool and elementary school students designed to support student-led play, outdoor learning, and a range of active and quiet experiences within a constrained site.

 

Montessori Nature Play Features

• Nature-based play organized into distinct zones
• Outdoor learning environments and sensory garden
• Climbing and movement features
• Water play and digging areas
• Inclusive playground design for a range of ages and abilities
• Nature play opportunities that support a Montessori school

 

Project Information

Sunstone Montessori School was looking for a play area that met their students needs and supported their Montessori curriculum.  Working within a site bordered by a busy street and containing existing mature trees, Learning Landscapes Design collaborated with the school community to develop a nature playground that responded to the unique needs of the school and site.

The design organizes the site into a series of distinct zones that align with the Montessori concept of the “prepared environment”. Each space suggests a type of play or use, while allowing students flexibility in how materials are used. This natural playground nesign supports a balance between student-led creative play, outdoor learning environments, and opportunities for physical activity and sports.

A central climbing loop anchors the Sunstone Montessori Natural Playscape, incorporating multiple monkey bars and a zip line to support active play. Adjacent to this is an artificial turf play field. This surface provides a consistent, all-weather area for games, sports, and silliness. One side of the turf field features a small hill and slide for younger users. Surrounding these active areas are quieter gathering and imaginative play zones, including a sensory garden, an outdoor laboratory, and a dedicated water play and digging area.

Site improvements such as fencing modifications and shade sails help define and protect the play environments. Inclusive playground principles guided the design, extending beyond ADA requirements to create a range of spaces that support different play styles, ages, and abilities. The result is a cohesive nature play environment that supports Montessori exploration, learning, and everyday use.